washing

noun

wash·​ing ˈwȯ-shiŋ 

ˈwä-

1

: the act or action of one that cleanses with water

2

: material obtained by washing

3

: articles washed or to be washed : wash

Examples of washing in a Sentence

These shirts will look great even after repeated washings.

Recent Examples on the Web

The seven steps for making wool fabric were explained: washing, gilling (aligning the wool fibers and removing short strands), spinning, dyeing, warping, weaving, and finishing. —Gary Shteyngart, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025

One potential source: When the fibers of synthetic clothing (such as polyester, elastane, nylon, or satin) come off the item with regular washing, drying, and wearing, and end up circulating in the air with other dust particles. —Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 5 Feb. 2025

From start to finish, each garment can take several days to make — as every piece requires rounds of cooling, drying and washing. —Leah Dolan, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025

There are plenty of uses for a good old-fashioned bar soap that have nothing to do with washing up for dinner. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing washing

• do the washing-up
• put the washing out
• washing machine
• washing powder
• washing soda
• washing-up liquid

Kids Definition

washing

noun

wash·​ing ˈwȯsh-iŋ 

ˈwäsh-

: articles washed or to be washed